Fragile Toes and the Southern Texas PGA

I've just arrived home in Austin after a successful week in San Antonio, qualifying for the first stage of Q School. I had a final round 78 that was better than the scorecard would indicate, and comfortably made the cut by 7 shots.

I was successful this week thanks to a number of people and good fortune. First off, Robert Salas drove from Austin to San Antonio 5 days this week to carry the bag and offer advice along the way out of the kindness of his heart as he has done many times in local events as well. I know I'm not always easy to deal with but I hope he enjoys our time together and it doesn't always feel like work. Second, Jenna Amber Herandez was kind enough to lend me the loft in her apartment this week only 10 minutes away from the course to save me some money on a hotel. Every little bit helps, and it's always better to have some human interaction before and after a tournament round rather than hotel walls staring blankly back at you. Also, a thanks to all of the well wishers who would call, text, or email. It means a lot to know that y'all are pulling for me every step of the way. And yes, I did just use the word "y'all".

Two forgettable parts of the week that I want to make note of now that the tournament has come and gone. My (still) broken little toe on my right foot is healing, but still quite a nuiscance. I think I'll try and give it a rest as soon as possible after walking over 100 holes on it right after breaking it. Second, the Southern Texas PGA definitely fouled this tournament up from start to finish. There were a laundry list of problems throughout the week, with a field of only 81 professionals. I am proudly a Texan, but by the end of this tournament I found myself embarrassed for the chapter in front of the other pros from all over the country and all over the world. Luckily, not all of these snags affected me, and I was able to endure the ones that did.

I will find out where and when I will tee it up next on September 28th. I have asked to be placed in Texas, either Houston or Lantana. So, until the end of this month I'll have my fingers crossed...